By Report and Recommendation dated October 23, 2007, the Disciplinary Board recommended that Respondent be suspended for one year and one day. Respondent falsely claimed to be holding monies in escrow for a real estate broker accused of fraud. Respondent made these false statements both to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and to an attorney pursuing a civil fraud case against the broker. In reliance upon Respondent’s false statement, criminal charges against the broker were dismissed as funds were believed to be secured pending the outcome of the civil case. The District Attorney’s Office re-filed criminal charges against the broker upon learning about Respondent’s misrepresentation. Respondent failed to honor a criminal subpoena issued compelling his attendance before the Magisterial District Justice in the re-filed criminal charges. Respondent’s misconduct was aggravated by his inconsistent testimony during the course of the disciplinary hearing.
By Order dated February 27, 2008, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania suspended Respondent for one year and one day.

Rule Violation(s)

7.1(a), 8.4(c) and 8.4(d).

Discipline Imposed

Suspension for one year and one day.

Points of Law

Respondent’s dishonest statements and failure to appear for the preliminary hearing, along with his inconsistent explanations, are serious acts of misconduct warranting suspension.